Racing: Four starters from Logan/Gibbs stable at Ruakaka

The big Ruakaka stable of Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs (pictured) have only four starters today.

Today'sracing has proven a great attraction for many Northland businesses to celebrate the year end and the festive season by bringing their colleagues and clients on-course for the Christmas at the Races themed meeting.

The six-race programme starts just after 1.30pm and has attracted a very pleasing number of starters given the large number of race meetings on offer.

The big Ruakaka stable of Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs, with only four starters, will be starting their lowest number of runners at a Ruakaka meeting this season.

This could be more the norm in 2018 as they divide their stable between Singapore and Ruakaka.

The four runners from the stable will be very competitive with both Dragon Storm in the Support St John's Bream Bay Maiden and Endowment in the last race likely to start short priced favourites.

The other two runners are Tavistock progeny that the stable has had so much success with. Tav It Up in the Northland Waste has had one successful trial at Avondale and Tavlin in the Rockgas 1400 metres had two midfield runs earlier in the year.

Tavlin will appreciate the 1400 metres as he looks to being tested as a staying prospect with a nomination for the Auckland Derby in March next year.

There is no gate entry for the meeting today, but patrons will be asked to contribute a gold coin donation to assist Bream Bay St John's to purchase another interactive training mannekin.

In the Catapult Partners Christmas Cracker the Rae Racing stables has Kolaman well placed after two runs over the shorter 1200 metres to start his summer campaign.

A winner of two races over today's 1600 metres and drawn barrier three his jockey Sam Spratt should have him cosily placed in running.

The Northland Waste maiden, race 2, over 1200 metres, has a mixture of local interest with Ama Dolce and Noodles in Ruakaka stables, One Bakerstreet - partly owned in Kerikeri - and then regular successful visitors Steve McKee and Nigel Tiley bringing smart trial performers' in O'Sam and Winnie's Rainbow.

Is there a story in the name Winnie's Rainbow? Is this a reference that the new Racing Minister, Winston Peters, has a pot of gold for the racing industry?

Today's meeting has a distinct corporate feel, and many will be dressed to impress with the Steve Haywood Master Jeweller's 11th running of the Fashions in the Field that will be held between races.

In 2018 the club starts with the very casual, family friendly and well established Interislander Summer Festival meeting on Saturday, January 6.

Merry Christmas to all racing fans and good punting in 2018.